Manx students will forge new friendships with their Spanish counterparts next spring, after the Isle of Man was chosen as the first host venue for a unique language project.
Seventy Spanish secondary school students are set to make big strides speaking and writing English, during three weeks of immersive learning while living with local families.
The search is on for host families with students in school years 7, 8 and 9 (Key Stage 3) from all the Island’s secondary schools, to provide a home-from-home for the young visitors, between 18 February 2018 and 9 March 2018.
A one-stop application process will make it easy to sign-up to the programme. Contact Keith James at keithjameseducation@gmail.com for more information.
The project has been masterminded by international educational consultant and author Dave Harris, who runs educational programmes around the world, and who organised a visit by 40 Spanish head teachers to the Island earlier this year.
The Isle of Man was chosen for its safe environment and well-regarded education system, and the visit is expected to raise the Island’s profile on the global educational stage.
Dave said:
‘I am fortunate enough to work in all areas of the world but have developed a strong affinity for the Isle of Man and its people. I am delighted to open the eyes of a large group of Spanish pupils to the Island, celebrating not only the unique culture and landscape of the Island but also the excellent education happening in its schools.’
Manx pupils will be part of the programme when the visitors join some of their lessons in school, while children of host families will learn about Spanish culture and customs during their stay, and join in a packed programme of activities and days out.
Seven Spanish teachers will accompany the students, and will spend a working holiday brushing up their own English skills and learning about the Manx education system.
Department of Education, Sport and Culture Adviser Jan Gimbert said:
‘The benefits of an opportunity such as this to our Island are significant as it raises our profile on the global educational stage as well as offering additional learning experiences for Island students.’
Although the immersion project is being organised by an independent consultant, it is supported by recently retired Isle of Man senior school leaders, Keith James and Andy Fox.
